UNITED have confirmed a 12-month sponsorship deal with Malaysian-based low-cost airline Air Asia.

UNITED have confirmed a 12-month sponsorship deal with Malaysian-based low-cost airline Air Asia.

The deal marks a significant development in the commercial aspirations of the Old Trafford club, who are looking to further exploit their worldwide popularity following Malcolm Glazer's £790million summer takeover.

Although crowds during the Red Devils' recent Far East tour were below expectations - specifically in Beijing - club officials still believe there is a vast untapped market in the continent and hope to extend their influence in the region still further.

"It is the first time we have done a deal with a company based in Asia, which is a huge step forward as we have such a big fan base there," said United commercial director Andy Anson.

"We have more than 40 million supporters across Asia and this deal enables us to get closer to them.

"We are probably the most supported club in Malaysia. Our supporters there are as fanatical as they are in Salford and we are keen to build on that."